Creative

Among my creative writing projects is a 12-page quarterly journal, Stop and Smell the Butter: A Journal of Appreciative Living, that I've been writing, editing, and illustrating since 2002. In 2004, it was an Utne Reader Independent Press Award nominee. You can purchase individual print issues for $6 each or download free PDFs at magcloud.com, or never miss an issue and purchase a subscription ($20 for four issues).

What readers say about Stop and Smell the Butter:

“[Stop and Smell the Butter] is touching and inspirational. There has not been an edition that doesn’t cause me to reflect and feel gratitude. . . Although you do not realize it, you have been a friend to me for two years, teaching me to appreciate, to cook, and agreeing with many of my observations. Please be encouraged to carry on. This is not a small newsletter. It is caring in action, profound and touching.”Lee A., Park Forest, IL

“What a perfect surprise today—Stop and Smell the Butter in the mail. It is soul renewal!”Barb F., Ottawa, IL

“Last week I came home from a long day at work, made myself a cup of tea and curled up to read ‘Butter.’ It was just what I needed.”Michele D., Cranston, RI

“Your articles have me smiling when I don’t even know it; before I know it my head is nodding yes, yes, yes. Another person who has finally cut through all the B.S. and can just be herself and let it all flow. . . Please keep lifting my spirits with all your wonderful thoughts.”Lisa C., Peru, IL

“Thank you for doing this lovely work. What a needed warm personal touch.”Mary K., Wilmette, IL

“What a treat. . . I have saved many sections from Stop and Smell the Butter and pasted them in my journal, either to be as they are, lovely to just enjoy reading again, or as a ‘jumping off’ place from which I leapt for my own thoughts/actions/journling/follow-up! Thank you, once again, for your self, heart and soul that you share so openly.”Leslie A., Kailua, HI

“Wow! How do you do it? Every single part of the latest issue 'spoke' to me. Thank you so much.”Nancy J., Homewood, IL